Thank you for joining us at the 2025 Southern AgriTech and Innovation Day!
We had another fantastic day packed with fresh ideas, cutting-edge tech and practical insights to help farmers and rural professionals stay ahead of the curve.
Now in its second year, the event brought together a fantastic mix of speakers, exhibitors and participants, all keen to explore the future of farming. Special thanks to our guest speakers David Lamb and Mahgol Yousefidashliboroun, and to all who shared their knowledge and sparked valuable conversations throughout the day.
We’re especially grateful to our sponsors. Your support made it possible to deliver an awesome event and create a space for learning, connection and action.
Thanks also to our exhibitors and Innovation Station participants for showcasing tools and ideas that are already making a difference on the ground.
To everyone who attended and contributed, thank you! Your energy, questions and feedback help shape what’s next.
The Thriving Southland team
Keynote Speaker Mahgol Yousefidashliboroun -
Future or Fantasy? Agri-ChatBots for Kiwi farmers
Keynote Speaker David Lamb -
The Art of the Possible
Pasture Panel Discussion: Grassroots to Blue Sky - maximising pasture & forage production
Farmer Panel Discussion: Farm Efficiency - Using Tech, Data, and Teamwork for Better Results
Pasture Panel Discussion: Grassroots to Blue Sky - maximising pasture & forage production
Unleashing the potential of our pasture-based systems. Join leading industry experts for a dynamic panel discussion on maximizing pasture and forage productivity. Discover cutting-edge strategies to unlock soil potential, improve nutrient efficiency, and optimize plant selection—including the latest in GM innovations.
Farmer Panel Discussion: Farm Efficiency - Using Tech, Data, and Teamwork for Better Results
In an era of ever-growing tech opportunities, this farmer panel will explore the keys to successful adoption—ensuring technology is fit for purpose to maximize value in your business. From practical tools to data-driven insights, learn how the right tech, combined with teamwork, can drive efficiency and better results on your farm.
SPEAKERS
David Lamb
David is a producer and physicist and has worked in precision agriculture for 30 years. He is presently the Chief Scientist of Food Agility, an Australian Cooperative Research Centre focussed on transforming the agrifood sector using the power of data and digital. He has co-designed/led more than 90 industry-funded R&D projects and, in addition to running the CRC’s R&D portfolio, he also leads the AgTrace initiative in partnership with the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry. Passionate about ‘reality-fuelled’ agtech innovation on farms, he established the University of New England's (UNE) SMART Farm in 2007, and recently the Charles Sturt University Global Digital Farm initiative. In the early 2000’s he established Australia’s first badged tertiary course in Precision Agriculture and in 2018 co-created the ‘Farm of the Future’ Pavilion at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
In 2016 he received the McClymont Distinguished Professorship (Research) at UNE in recognition of his ongoing service to agriculture innovation and research leadership, and in 2022 the Pierre C. Robert Award from the International Society of Precision Agriculture for his contribution to precision agriculture science and technology.
He holds adjunct Professor appointments at University of New England and Charles Sturt University.
Presentation topic: The Art of the Possible: Opportunities in Our New Data-Rich Environment
Prof. David Lamb, a leading expert in precision agriculture and Chief Scientist at Food Agility Australia, will explore the transformative power of data in the agrifood sector. With 30 years of experience, he will discuss how digital innovation can unlock new efficiencies, drive sustainability, and support the development of a circular agri-economy.
Mahgol Yousefidashliboroun
Mahgol Yousefidashliboroun is a Product Designer with a focus on human-centered artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and technology innovation. Mahgol is currently leading a collaborative research project between the University of Canterbury and AgResearch Ltd, focused on enhancing digital technology adoption in New Zealand's primary sector through user-centered and co-design approaches. With expertise in developing intuitive mobile and web applications, Mahgol bridges the gap between advanced technology and practical user needs. Mahgols’ research explores how human-centered AI can address real-world challenge, particularly in making complex agricultural data more accessible and actionable through intelligent systems.
Presentation topic: Future or Fantasy? Agri-ChatBots for Kiwi farmers
Farmers deal with bucket loads of data—from weather patterns to soil health and stock management. This session, presented by accomplished PhD student Mahgol Yousefidashliboroun, who is working with AgResearch to explore how custom chatbots can make sense of it all, turning complex farm data into simple, actionable insights. Learn how personalised AI-powered tools can fine tune day to day farm decision-making. Mahgol's presentation is not to be missed!
Morning Innovation Stations
Station 1 - The Art of the Possible: Turning Data to Dollars
Farmers already collect a wealth of data—now it’s time to put it to work. This workshop will explore how shifting from passive data collection to active data use can drive profitability, efficiency, and sustainability. Farmers will learn about picking the right metrics, using data to prove sustainability efforts, and positively leveraging tools like animal passports for compliance. David Lamb will share what our cousins over the ditch are up to, offering insights into how others are successfully turning data into value. This workshop is all about making data work for the farm, turning information into real, measurable opportunities.
Station 2 - Where to from here? Next level Nutrient Management for your farm
Discover some of the latest nutrient management technologies to boost efficiency, while improving the bottom line. Learn about cutting edge, real-time soil and plant sensor probes, Variable Rate Application (VRA), and new fertilizer technology that improves nutrient uptake, and soil health. This session will equip you with the tools and the knowledge to manage your nutrient requirements, as well as your bank balance.
Station 3 - Smart Ag-robotics
Join Scott Spooner, Chief Executive & Technology Officer at SPS Automation, for a hands-on workshop exploring AI-driven automated custom robotics. With over 30 years of aeromodelling and RPAS expertise, Scott will showcase cutting-edge innovations in airborne and ground-based robotic systems, providing insights into autonomous robotics, and bespoke sensor-based AI. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how smart robotics could revolutionise your farming operation!
Afternoon Innovation Stations
Station 1 - Wearables: The Future of Animal Management
Explore the future of smart farming across multiple livestock industries! Join us for an exciting workshop on animal wearables! Learn how our leading companies are using smart collars, health sensors, and other remote monitoring to transform the management of livestock. This is a great opportunity to have your questions answered!
Station 2 - Solar Opportunities for Southern Farms
Are you aiming to lower energy expenses and prepare your farm for the future? Join NES for an enlightening workshop on the benefits solar power can bring to Southern farms. As electricity prices rise and sustainability becomes crucial, solar could transform your business. We'll showcase various farm system examples, on-site hardware setups, bioreactors, and more. Bring your electricity bill, and calculate if solar is a viable option for you!
Station 3 - Pest Smart: Drones, AI & Auto Traps
Pests! Join us for a hands-on workshop with NZAutotraps, showcasing the latest pest control tech. See AI-powered, automatic, resetting traps from FTP Solutions, and discover how ProVision’s drones handle deer carcass removal, trap moving, species ID, and monitoring. Plus, explore tools like Econode and the free trap.nz app for smarter, cost-effective pest management.
Thriving Southland is a community-led group with a vision to create a prosperous Southland, healthy people, healthy environment from the mountains to the sea.
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25 Don Street,
Invercargill 9810
